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France's Emmanuel Macron calls for revival of EU democracy

In his first speech before the European Parliament, France's Emmanuel Macron called for energetic changes and open debate with EU citizens. Macron also decried the bickering among EU politicians as a "fool's game."

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Macron on the future of Europe

France's president, Emmanuel Macron, urged changes to address concerns and fears of EU citizens in a speech aimed at boosting unity amid a string of crises.

Speaking to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg on Tuesday, he urged the deputies to create a "proper debate on convictions and proposals" and make "EU democracy come alive" as the bloc starts preparations for the May 2019 elections for the European Parliament. The vote is the first EU-wide election since before the UK voted to leave the union.

Macron also decried the tendency to blame national failings on Brussels and avoid discussion on EU future.

"To carry on in this manner is a fool's game, which may be more comfortable for us to engage in, but nothing will be resolved in this way," Macron said.

Macron also decried the growing gap between the EU and the values propagated by the current US administration.

"We share so much with this country, but this country is rejecting multilateralism, free trade and climate change," he said.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomed Macron's speech, noting that his election victory last year gave "new hope" to the EU.

"The true France is back," Juncker said on Tuesday.

At the same time, he warned that the EU was an "ensemble" and not just a club made up of Germany and France.

Waiting for Berlin

Macron previously spoke at length about his vision for a closer EU at the Sorbonne in September, where he urged a joint eurozone budget and the introduction of an EU finance minister. Among other steps, he called for a joint asylum office, an aligning of national tax systems, and an EU-wide innovations office. Macron also suggested creating an EU rapid response force.

Macron was forced to delay its plans following the elections in France's most important EU ally, Germany. Talks on forming a government in Berlin lasted much longer than expected. Even after the new German government took office, officials in Berlin have seemed cautious about the changes proposed by Macron.

Berlin under pressure to get on the same page with Paris

The French president is set to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in Berlin. Last month, the two leaders pledged to bridge their differences and come up with a joint road map for reforms by June.